J. Harry (“Bud”) Isaacson, MD, and Andrew Fishleder, MD
Friends and close colleagues Drs. Bud Isaacson and Andy Fishleder reflect on the founding of the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and the vision that shaped its distinctive approach to medical education. Together, they share the story behind creating a program known for its small class sizes, grade-free assessment system and emphasis on self-directed learning.

Mary Pilat, PhD and Katherine Burke, PhD
Longtime friends Mary Pilat and Dr. Katherine Burke share a deeply personal conversation about Katherine’s journey with multiple myeloma and the emotional complexity of receiving a cancer diagnosis while her father was in hospice care. Together, they reflect on Katherine’s one-woman performance autoethnography, the power of storytelling in making sense of illness and grief, and the challenge of finding language for experiences that feel too layered and profound for words alone. 

Randall Starling, MD, MPH, and James Young, MD
In this conversation, coworkers Dr. Randy Starling and Jim Young reflect on their experiences in cardiac surgery and the profound responsibilities that come with caring for patients facing life-threatening illness. Together, they discuss what it means to practice medicine at Cleveland Clinic, the evolving field of cardiac care and the ethical questions surrounding cardiac death.

Theresa and Eric Cotton
Wife and husband Theresa and Eric Cotton share the inspiring story of Theresa’s journey from colorectal cancer patient to becoming one of Cleveland Clinic’s beloved “Red Coat” caregivers. Together, they reflect on the challenges of navigating serious illness, the compassion that shaped Theresa’s experience as a patient and the deep sense of purpose she found in giving back to others facing their own healthcare journeys.

Jeannie Parrish and Douglas Rohde, MS
Coworkers Jeannie Parrish and Douglas Rohde share a heartfelt conversation about Cleveland Clinic’s Red Coats and the important role they play in supporting patients and families throughout the healthcare experience. As integral members of the care team, Jeannie and Doug reflect on the impact of offering guidance, reassurance and human connection during moments that can often feel overwhelming or uncertain.

Adele Viguera, MD, and Akua Abrah
Dr. Adele Viguera and Akua Abrah engage in a thoughtful conversation about informed consent, access to healthcare and the important role the humanities play in shaping compassionate patient care. Akua shares insights from her research involving neonatal care in Ghana, reflecting on the cultural, ethical and human dimensions of medicine across different healthcare settings.

Daniel Joyce, MD, and R. Matthew Walsh, MD
Colleagues, friends and neighbors Drs. Dan Joyce and Matt Walsh share a candid conversation about their careers as surgeons at Cleveland Clinic, the meaning they have found in caring for others and the privilege of helping people with their own two hands. Together, they reflect on navigating the medical field as gay men, exploring identity, mentorship and the evolution of the culture of medicine.

Jada Jordan and Patrice Houston
Colleagues Jada Jordan and Miss Patrice “Peaches” Houston share a heartfelt conversation about their experiences as patient transporters at Cleveland Clinic and the meaningful role they play in the patient journey. Together, they reflect on the importance of the humanities in healthcare, the power of kindness and presence, and what it means to be part of the larger care team.

Vickie Johnson, MPA, and Constance Hill-Johnson, MPA
Friends and colleagues Vickie Johnson and Connie Hill-Johnson reflect on their leadership roles in healthcare and community care, sharing perspectives shaped by decades of service and advocacy. As Executive Vice President and Chief Community Officer at Cleveland Clinic and as the owner and director of Visiting Angels Cleveland, respectively, the two discuss the importance of community connection, compassionate leadership and caring for people beyond the hospital walls.

Bradley Gill, MD, MS, and Kathy Franco Bronson, MD
Dr. Bradley Gill and his mentor, Dr. Kathy Franco Bronson, reflect on their time as physicians at Cleveland Clinic and the importance of embracing what Kathy describes as “the softer side of medicine.” Together, they discuss the emotional realities of caring for patients, the role of empathy in clinical practice and the lasting impact of mentorship in medicine.

Seysha Mehta and Neil Mehta, MBBS, MS
Daughter Seysha Mehta and father Dr. Neil Mehta share a thoughtful conversation about purpose, family and the search for meaningful work. Together, they reflect on finding joy in what they do, the values that shape their lives and Seysha’s decision to return to her hometown to attend the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, where Neil serves as Associate Dean of Curricular Affairs.

Eric Klein, MD, and Scott Lundy, MD, PhD
Colleagues Drs. Eric Klein and Scott Lundy share a thoughtful conversation about patient care and their experiences as urologists at Cleveland Clinic. The pair discusses navigating healthcare through a patient-forward approach and reflects on how the humanities play an important role in strengthening empathy, communication and human connection in medicine

Koji Hashimoto, MD, PhD, and Charles Miller, MD
Dr. Koji Hashimoto sits down with his mentor, Dr. Charlie Miller, to reflect on their shared experiences at Cleveland Clinic and the relationship that shaped both their careers. Koji recalls his early desire to learn from Charlie while living in Japan and shares what made Charlie’s mentorship so meaningful and lasting.